The Middle East Council of Churches is a regional ecumenical organization, which brings together Churches in the Middle East for a common Christian witness in a region where Christ was born, lived, died and resurrected.
UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
"O Giver of Light, Glory to You…"
Troparion of the Transfiguration
The Video is Produced By MECC
“Momentum”
3-8-2026
This issue includes reports, videos, news, articles, and a full coverage of the latest developments of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), as well as the Church, Ecumenical, and social events…
This is in addition to the weekly word of the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs which is entitled in this issue "The Social, Economic, Educational, and Humanitarian Responsibility of the Church In Preserving Values and Virtues and Building the Human Person (Part 2)".
You can check the issue via the following link: https://mailchi.mp/a8f7f45a8480/momentum-mecc-weekly-newsletter.
You can also subscribe to the Momentum Newsletter via the following link:
https://mecc.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?id=fd3381352a&u=1db32cafe9ea32b38eb90480a.
The Social, Economic, Educational, and Humanitarian Responsibility of the Church
In Preserving Values and Virtues and Building the Human Person
Professor Michel Abs
The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
Economic Responsibility: Money in the Service of Humanity, Not Humanity in the Service of Money
The economic mission of the Church does not come from a desire to compete with the state or economic institutions, but from her moral responsibility toward humanity and society.
Economy is not merely numbers and profits; above all, it is a human concern. The human person must always remain the goal, and money must remain a means to serve the common good.
From a Christian perspective, money itself is not evil, but it becomes dangerous when it becomes a master that enslaves humanity. Therefore, Jesus says: “No one can serve two masters… God and money” (Matthew 6:24).
Thus, the Church is called to be an example in the management of her resources through transparency, integrity, and responsibility, because an institution that carries a spiritual mission must reflect in its administration the values it proclaims.
The Church must also encourage a culture of honest work and honor the dignity of the worker, because work is not only a means of livelihood; it is participation in the building of creation and the service of society…
Organized By MECC
You can join this webinar through the following Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86864203294?pwd=7KJDrYiNKaSuFtViTB3BlKwTaxUOah.1
On June 2nd, 2026, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church of the World, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), visited the Archeological Site of the City of Al-Hadr in Niniveh, Iraq. This city used to be inhabited by Arameans and Arabic tribes.
He was accompanied by Their Eminences: Mor Maurice Amsih, Archbishop of Jazeerah and Euphrates, and Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary.
On June 2nd, 2026, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church of the World, and Honorary President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), visited the Archeological Site of Mor Ahodemeh Church in Takrit, Iraq.
He was accompanied by their Eminences: Mor Maurice Amsih, Archbishop of Jazeerah and Euphrates, and Mor Augeen Al-Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary.
The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development announces the theme chosen by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV for the 2026 celebration of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, held on September 1, as "They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks” (Is 2:4).
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has chosen “They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks” (Is 2:4) as the theme for the 2026 edition of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, traditionally celebrated on September 1.
In the statement from the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development making the announcement, the Dicastery states that the Holy Father’s Message for the Day highlights the connection between armed conflict and environmental degradation.
Baghdad - June 1, 2026
The Fathers of the Synod of the Chaldean Church, under the presidency of His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Polis III Nona, held the first synodal session of his patriarchate on June 1, 2026, at the Chaldean Patriarchal Headquarters in Al-Mansour, Baghdad. Fourteen bishops participated in the session. Travel difficulties and related circumstances prevented the participation of the bishops from the United States of America.
His Beatitude opened the synod with a paternal address inspired by the words of the Lord Jesus: “Do not be afraid; only believe!” (Mark 5:36). He emphasized that the Chaldean Church is called to face the challenges of the present with hope and confidence in God’s providence, and to continue her mission in a spirit of unity, communion, and shared responsibility. He stressed the importance of strengthening and deepening the synodal spirit as an essential part of the tradition of our Church, as well as the need for teamwork, cooperation, and overcoming everything that weakens or hinders the mission of the Gospel. He also affirmed the necessity of continuing to develop ecclesiastical institutions and enhancing the effectiveness of the Patriarchal Curia and the Permanent Synod in a manner consistent with the needs of the current era and the Church’s requirements both in the East and throughout the diaspora…
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV encourages Catholic scouts and guides to deepen their commitment to faith, service, and Christian witness as he receives members of the Italian Catholic Guides and Scouts of Europe Association (AGESCI Europa) in the Vatican.
Addressing participants gathered for the 50th anniversary of the Italian Catholic Guides and Scouts of Europe Association on Monday, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV linked the jubilee celebration to the recent Solemnity of Pentecost, noting that the word Pentecost itself means “fiftieth.”
“May this happy anniversary be for you like a new Pentecost,” he said, praying that the Holy Spirit would descend upon every member as it did upon the Apostles gathered in the Upper Room.
The Pope recalled that the gift of the Holy Spirit enlivens the Christian life, opens hearts to mission, and enables believers to find ever-new ways of bearing witness to the beauty of the faith. The proclamation of salvation, he said, is filled with hope and inspires Christians to act rightly in every decision and undertaking.
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom”
(Luke 12:32)
With deep faith and great hope, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) releases the Arabic version of the “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity” booklet 2027, under the theme “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32), based on the Biblical Text Luke 12: 22–34.
The booklet includes Prayers and reflections prepared by the Irish Council of Churches and the Council for Ecumenism and Dialogue of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference. The texts were jointly prepared and published by the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity in the Vatican and the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches (WCC), and were translated into Arabic by the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), as every year.
Entitled "Light from Egypt"
Watch a special news bulletin from the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) entitled "Light from Egypt," on MECC TV, and across its various platforms.
The news bulletin highlights the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity celebrations in Egypt, as well as the visit of the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches Professor Michel Abs, and the Council's delegation in the Arab Republic of Egypt.
“Momentum”
6-2-2026
This issue includes reports, videos, news, articles, and a full coverage of the latest developments of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), as well as the Church, Ecumenical, and social events…
This is in addition to the weekly word of the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs which is entitled in this issue "Egypt in the Week of Unity".
You can check the issue via the following link: https://mailchi.mp/bce04b51d1c7/momentum-mecc-weekly-newsletter.
You can also subscribe to the Momentum Newsletter via the following link:
https://mecc.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?id=fd3381352a&u=1db32cafe9ea32b38eb90480a.
Professor Michel Abs
The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
For the third consecutive year, we turn to Egypt to participate in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, or as we call it briefly, the Week of Unity. Once again, we experience the interaction and life with what I call "Egyptian Christianity," which encompasses all the churches of the land of Egypt, the land of the Nile, the land of the Holy Family's refuge.
The experience with this kind-hearted people, the Egyptian people, in all its components, is always beautiful and enriched with love, experience, and knowledge.
The visits we have made to the spiritual leaders in Egypt have been a source for launching new areas of cooperation in service to Egyptian society, where the Church and Christians are an integral part. These leaders, always giving, provide support for the Council’s works and reinforce its aspirations.
During our meetings with church and Islamic leaders as well, we have managed to shape directions that must yield positive results for our societies.
Firstly, we reached an agreement with the officials of “Beit El-‘Aila,” (Home of the Family), this pioneering experience, to develop a cooperation document in the field of dialogue and social cohesion. The Council and Beit El-‘Aila both work in this field, and the two institutions found that combining efforts in this area leads to significant gains in terms of national unity in the Middle East, as both of them have the necessary experience to dive into this endeavor. All of this stems from shared basic values and the national vision held by both institutions and their leadership…
Episode Twelve: His Visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026, and a Highlight on the International Day of Human Fraternity
Prepared and Presented by the Journalist Lea Adel Maamary
Produced by MECC
Entitled "We Pray Together,"
Within the "Hot Issues" Program on Al Keraza TV
Prepared and Presented by the MECC Associate Secretary General Reverend Refaat Fikry
At the Greek Orthodox Patriarchal Monastery of St. George in Old Cairo
At the conclusion of the Week of Unity at the Greek Orthodox Patriarchal Monastery of St. George in Old Cairo, the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs said: “
Dialogue is a culture ingrained in our hearts and minds, and the Council is a haven for dialogue among the Churches. Hence, the Week of Unity has become an annual tradition, evolving over the years and taken very seriously each year, as the Churches come together and Pray in love and fraternity.
The new Ecumenism is based on service in various fields, and we, as the Middle East Council of Churches, undertake many initiatives that bring the Churches closer together. The Council also aspires to be a center for dialogue and intellectual and cognitive research, in accordance with a new strategy.”
Under the Theme “Living Water”
Ismailia – 23 July 2026
The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) officially launched the first activities of the 2026 Season of Creation, celebrated this year under the theme “Living Water,” through a spiritual and environmental day organized by the Council’s Theological and Ecumenical Department under the supervision of Fr. Movses (Garen) Yosolkanian. The event was held in cooperation with the Benedictine Monastery in El-Tal El-Kebir (Ismailia), the Syriac Orthodox Church in Egypt, the Institute of History of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate, and the Ecumenical Youth Committee in Egypt. The activity formed part of the three-year “Care for Creation” program implemented by the Middle East Council of Churches with the support of Danmission.
The gathering brought together young people, church ministers, monks, nuns, and representatives of the Orthodox, Catholic, and Evangelical Churches in Egypt, alongside participants from religious congregations, theological institutes, youth, pastoral, ecumenical, and scouting movements, as well as participants from Lebanon and Syria. The event reflected a vibrant spirit of fellowship, unity, and cooperation among the Churches.
“Living Water”
Carrying the theme “Living Water” and the symbol “Immersion in Living Water,” inspired by Ezekiel 47:9 and 12, the Ecumenical Family in the Middle East and around the world unites to celebrate the “Season of Creation” 2026. This season constitutes an Ecumenical, Christian, and environmental station to contemplate and care for our common home, the Oikos of God.
Each year, the Season’s celebrations begin on September 1, the day that many Church Families celebrate as the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, and others celebrate as the Feast of Creation. It ends on October 4, with the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of ecology.
In this context, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), which is a Member of the Season of Creation Ecumenical Steering Committee, issues the guide for the “Season of Creation” 2026 in Arabic, after the MECC Theological and Ecumenical Department translated into Arabic, as is customary annually.
The video includes messages from His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs.
The “Feast of Creation”, also known as “Creation Day” or “World Day of Prayer for Creation”, is officially entering the liturgical calendars of many churches. Celebrated on September 1st or – most frequently – on the following Sunday, the feast is inspired by an ancient liturgical tradition of the Eastern Orthodox church.
Many non-Byzantine churches will begin their celebrations this September, with the Feast formally enshrined in their lectionaries and liturgical books. Given the Christological nature of the liturgical year in many traditions, a title that is sometimes used is “Feast of Creation in Christ”. Among other highlights, the Feast is being added to the Revised Common Lectionary used by many Protestant and Anglican churches, in time for this year’s celebrations.
The words of Prophet Isaiah capture well what is happening: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (43:19).
To explore this promising ecumenical process, a major online event was held on March 18-19, entitled “The Feast of Creation: A New Liturgical Feast, a Gift for the Third Millennium”. Convened by the World Council of Churches, Middle East Council of Churches, and various Christian world communions and regional ecumenical bodies, the event drew registrations from over 600 church leaders worldwide.
Praying and Working Together for the Creation!
On the Feast of Saint Nicholas in the Armenian, Greek, and Latin calendars, the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), in coordination with the Youth Committee of the Armenian Sanatorium – Azounieh, organized a special Environmental Day entitled “Can Santa Plant a Tree?!”, on Saturday, December 6, 2025, in Azounieh.
The event brought together youth from the Armenian Evangelical Churches of Nor Marash and Anjar, Deacons from the Armenian Apostolic Church, and the young people of St. George Melkite Catholic Parish in Zahle.
Adding to the joy of the gathering, Santa Claus—Saint Nicholas—joined the celebration. As the day coincided with his Feast, Santa himself planted numerous plants and trees in the Garden of the Armenian Sanatorium at Azounieh.
The day began with an introduction to the history and mission of the Azounieh Sanatorium, followed by a presentation by Fr. Movses-Garen Yosolkanian, Coordinator of the Season of Creation activities at MECC, on the Season of Creation and the connection between Santa Claus, the natural world, and his commitment to seafarers and gardeners. In keeping with local tradition, participants opened the activity by singing the Lebanese National Anthem, the customary prelude to tree-planting ceremonies.
Professor Michel Abs
The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
It is the gift of the Creator who entrusted it to us, placing us upon it and allowing us to enjoy its blessings so that we might have a better life.
It is the ground beneath our feet, the resting place of our bodies, the source of our air, our water, our greenery, and the pasture of our flocks, and above all, the solid land upon which we build our homes and where our families grow.
The Creator gave it to us beautiful and pure, its breeze gentle, its waters refreshing.
He gave it to us adorned with mountains, valleys, and rivers, covered with vegetation, and clothed in colors He Himself designed to delight our sight.
In it we found all that we need, for our basic and for our advanced needs, and we began to invest in it through all kinds of means and techniques, seeking to satisfy more needs or to gain more profit.
For thousands of years, the earth remained silent, bearing the injustice of humankind, and, in many cases, the harshness of climate.
In silence it watched its population grow, and it received them.
In silence it allowed its inhabitants to pursue what they deemed suitable for their comfort and progress…
On the occasion of World Mental Health Day and the beginning of the week of global celebrations of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea in Egypt, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) organized an environmental science day with members of the Coptic Evangelical Organization and the Bishopric of Public, Ecumenical and Social Services (BLESS) in the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate, at the Anaphora Oasis in Egypt. The event took place on Friday, October 10, 2025.
The environmental day began with a gathering of experts from Egyptian universities and the Ministry of Environment at St. Mark's Cathedral in Abbassia. Father Movses (Garen) Yosolkanian welcomed the attendees in the Anaphora Oasis. His Eminence Metropolitan Thomas, Director of the Oasis and Metropolitan of El-Qusiya and Mir, in Assiut Governorate, joined the meeting.
It Also Concludes the "Season of Creation" this Month with the Second Symposium on Eco-Theology in Cairo
The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) have now issued its online Ecumenical calendar for the month of October 2025. It includes the Ecclesiastical and Liturgical Feasts of the various Families of Churches in the Middle East. In addition to international days identified by the United Nations, and which are related to the MECC identity and its spiritual and human mission.
The Middle East Council of Churches also concludes the "Season of Creation" in the region in October 2025, which this year carries the theme “Peace with Creation” and the symbol of “Garden of Peace”, inspired by Isaiah 32: 14-18.
On this occasion, and under the patronage of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, the Theological and Ecumenical Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) is organizing the Second Symposium on Eco-Theology, entitled "Peace with Creation, Spiritual and Practical Perspectives from the East", between October 10 and 11, 2025, at the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, Abbassia – Cairo.
A photo album from the pilgrimage visits made by the participants during the fourth day of the MECC 12th General Assembly, to many Coptic Monasteries.
Middle East Council of Churches
The Logos Center - the Papal residence in the Monastery of Anba Bishoy - Wadi El-Natrun, Egypt
16-20 May 2022
“Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27)
1) Under this theme, the Twelfth General Assembly of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) met in the Arab Republic of Egypt for the first time since its establishment, with the participation of the member churches of the four ecclesiastical families that make up the Council: the Eastern Orthodox family, the Orthodox family, the Catholic family, and the Evangelical family, through May 16-20, 2022, with the kind hospitality of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark for the Coptic Orthodox, at the Logos Center - the Papal residence of the Monastery of Anba Bishoy in Wadi Natroun, and in the presence of the Presidents of the MECC: Mor Ignatius Aphram II, Patriarch of Antioch and all the East and Supreme Head of the Syriac Orthodox Church throughout the world, John X, Patriarch of Antioch and all the East for the Greek Orthodox Church, Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, Patriarch of the Chaldeans in Iraq and the world, and Reverend Dr. Habib Badr, head of the National Evangelical Union in Lebanon, Heads of member churches or their representatives, members of the Executive Committee, Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs, and the MECC team, with the participation of representatives of churches and ecumenical bodies.
Workshops, Studies and a First Reading of the Draft Final Statement
With great hope, the Middle East Council of Churches continued the activities of its 12th General Assembly on its third day, on Wednesday May 18, 2022, under the title "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid" (Matthew 14: 27) at the Papal Logos Center in Wadi El Natrun in Egypt, hosted by the Coptic Orthodox Church, headed by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark. The meetings of this day included discussions and studies on various theological, human, service and media levels in order to achieve the Ecumenical and societal desired goals for all the people of the region.
President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi to the heads of the Eastern Churches: Christian Brothers in all Arab Countries Are an Integral Part of the Fabric of Arab Society
The Middle East Council of Churches continues its 12th General Assembly today, Tuesday 17 May 2022, under the title "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid" (Matthew 14: 27), held at the Papal Logos Center in Wadi El Natrun in Egypt, with the generous hospitality of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark. On the second day, the participants discussed the reality of the Christian presence in the Middle East and the most prominent threats to its existence, stressing the importance of their role in the region.
The Church of the East Denounces All Conflicts and Wars and Calls On the Christians of the Region to Cling to hope
“Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27)
The Middle East Council of Churches launches its 12th General Assembly, on Monday, May 16, 2022, under the title of “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27) at the Logos Papal Center in Wadi El Natrun, Egypt, with the generous hospitality of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, and with the support of the Evangelical Church in Egypt. The Assembly is attended by representatives of 21 Churches from the Middle East. They all stressed on the importance of renewal and attachment to hope and to our faith in Jesus Christ, because with His presence we are neither afraid or discouraged. As well as, they stressed on the need to cling to our East and Land, the Cradle of Christianity.
“Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27) was the title of the twelfth General Assembly of the Middle East Council of Churches, which was held between 16 and 20 May 2022, at the Papal Logos Center in Wadi El Natrun in Egypt, with the generous hospitality of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, and the support of Reverend Dr. Andrea Zaki, President of the Evangelical Churches in Egypt and its institutions. The Assembly was an Ecumenical gathering that brought a lot of hope to the people of the wounded Middle East... It was also a historic Ecclesiastical event that emphasized the importance of the Christian presence and role in the region.
The MECC Secretary General Dr. Michel Abs was the guest of “Al Nour Maana” program (which means “The Light is with Us”) with Lea Maamari, on Télé Lumiere and Noursat, on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. During the episode, Dr. Abs shed light on the activities of the MECC 12th General Assembly and its final statement, as well as, the projects and activities that will be implemented in the post General Assembly period.
The report presents a recap of the pilgrimage visits to many Coptic Monasteries made by the participants of the MECC 12th General Assembly on its last day. The visits were to the Monastery of the Virgin Mary known as Al-Baramous Monastery and Monastery of the Saint Anba Bishoy, Monastery of the Virgin Mary known as the Syriac Monastery and Monastery of St. Makarios known as Monastery of Abu Makar, and Monastery of the Saint Martyr Mar Mina and Pope Kyrillos Shrine. The video was prepared by the MECC Communication and Public Relations Department in cooperation with the Media Center affiliated to the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt.
You can find a report about the activities and meetings of the last day of the MECC 12th General Assembly held under the title "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid" (Matthew 14: 27). The video was prepared by the MECC Communication and Public Relations Department in cooperation with the Media Center affiliated to the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt.
The report presents the opinions of some participants during the MECC 12th General Assembly held at the Papal Logos Center in Wadi El Natrun in Egypt. The video was prepared by the MECC Communication and Public Relations Department in cooperation with the Media Center affiliated to the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt.
The report presents the opinions of some participants during the MECC 12th General Assembly held at the Papal Logos Center in Wadi El Natrun in Egypt. The video was prepared by the MECC Communication and Public Relations Department in cooperation with the Media Center affiliated to the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt.
The report presents the opinions of some participants in the MECC 12th General Assembly. They all called on to cling to hope, because with God we do not fear or be discouraged, and stressed on the importance of solidarity and building bridges with the others. The video was prepared by the MECC Communication and Public Relations Department in cooperation with the Media Center affiliated to the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt.
In the report, you can find the activities and meetings of the second day of the MECC 12th General Assembly. The video was prepared by the MECC Communication and Public Relations Department in cooperation with the Media Center affiliated to the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt.
Watch the Highlights of the First Day
The report presents the highlights of the opening of the MECC 12th General Assembly under the theme of “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27), at the Papal Logos Center in Wadi El Natrun in Egypt. The video was prepared by the MECC Communication and Public Relations Department in cooperation with the Media Center affiliated to the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt.
The report presents a brief overview about the Papal Logos Center in Wadi El Natrun in Egypt, this historical place where the MECC 12th General Assembly is being held, hosted by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark. The video was prepared by the MECC Communication and Public Relations Department in cooperation with the Media Center affiliated to the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt.
The MECC Communication and Public Relations Department presents in cooperation with the Media Center affiliated to the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt C.O.C, a special interview with Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East, President of Haigazian University, and MECC Elected President for the Evangelical Family, during the MECC 12th General Assembly held with the hospitality of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, at the Logos Papal Center in Wadi El Natrun in Egypt.
The MECC Communication and Public Relations Department presents in cooperation with the Media Center affiliated to the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt C.O.C, a special interview with His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Mar Louis Raphaël Sako, Chaldean Patriarch in Iraq and the World, and MECC Honorary President, during the MECC 12th General Assembly held with the hospitality of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, at the Logos Papal Center in Wadi El Natrun in Egypt.
The MECC Communication and Public Relations Department presents in cooperation with the Media Center affiliated to the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt C.O.C, a special interview with His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and MECC President for the Orthodox Family, during the MECC 12th General Assembly held with the hospitality of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, at the Logos Papal Center in Wadi El Natrun in Egypt.
The MECC Communication and Public Relations Department presents in cooperation with the Media Center affiliated to the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt C.O.C, a special interview with His Beatitude Patriarch Raphaël Bedros XXI Minassian, Patriarch of the Armenian Catholic Church of Cilicia, and MECC Elected President for the Catholic Family, during the MECC 12th General Assembly held with the hospitality of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, at the Logos Papal Center in Wadi El Natrun in Egypt.
The MECC Communication and Public Relations Department presents in cooperation with the Coptic Orthodox Church’s Spokesperson in Egypt and the Media Center affiliated to the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt, a special interview with His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, who hosted the MECC 12th General Assembly held at the Logos Papal Center in Wadi El natrun in Egypt.
after it suffered severe damage as a result of the earthquake that occurred in the region during the year 2023
This restoration is part of the Program “Restoration Fund for Rehabilitation of Faith-based Social Services & Religious Infrastructure Damaged During the Crisis in Syria”
As part of the Program “Restoration Fund for Rehabilitation of Faith-based Social Services & Religious Infrastructure Damaged During the Crisis in Syria”
MECC Contributes in Its Restoration in Cooperation with “Kerk in Actie”
His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, inaugurated, in the presence of a delegation from the Middle East Council of Churches, the Monastery of St. Antonios in the Wilderness of Sadad. His Holiness also consecrated St. Antonios Church at the Monastery. The ceremony took place on Wednesday, September 27, 2023.
During the consecration, His Holiness was assisted by their Eminences Archbishops: Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Archbishop of Homs, Hama, Tartous and Environs, Mor Theophilus George Saliba, Patriarchal Advisor, Mor Maurice Amsih, Archbishop of Jazeera and Euphrates, Mor Boutros Kassis, Archbishop of Aleppo and Environs, Mor Yacoub Babawi, Patriarchal Vicar for the Affairs of Monks and the Administration of Mor Aphrem Theological Seminary, Mor Joseph Bali, Patriarchal Assistant, Mor Christophoros Markose Abraham, Patriarchal Secretary for the Affairs of the Church in India, Mor Augeen Al Khoury Nemat, Patriarchal Secretary, Bishop Mor Iwannis Boulos Al-Souqi, and Armenian Orthodox Archbishop of Damascus Armash Nalbandian.
The war in Syria has forced thousands of young people to travel in search of a better life, leaving behind them elderly parents who require care and attention. This has increased the number of elderlies in need of someone to provide them with the necessary care and support. Hence, the Middle East Council of Churches and the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate in Syria have undertaken the restoration of the Al-Rahmeh home for elderly as part of the “Restoration Fund for Rehabilitation of Faith-based Social Services & Religious Infrastructure Damaged During the Crisis in Syria” that is implemented by MECC in cooperation with “Kerk in Actie” (KIA) organization in the Netherlands.
BEIRUT BLAST
DEPARTEMENTS
Theology and Ecumenism
Diakonia
Communication and Public Relations
The Service of Palestinian Refugees
Father Georges Al-Amil, Assistant Parish Priest of Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish in Ain Ebel, visited the Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs at the Council's General Secretariat headquarters in Hamra, Beirut. Their meeting focused on the current situation in the villages of Southern Lebanon and the social, economic, and humanitarian challenges that their residents are facing.
During the meeting, Father Al-Amil outlined the difficult living situations endured by the residents of Rmeish, Debel, and Ain Ebel, as well as the situation of displaced families from the villages of Qawzah, Alma Al-Shaab, and Yaroun. He conveyed what the people of the region are suffering from in terms of escalating crises and the repercussions of the current circumstances on their daily lives and livelihoods.
Both sides also reviewed the latest developments in Southern Lebanon and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the Middle East Council of Churches, the Church, municipalities, and other relevant stakeholders. Their discussions focused on supporting local communities, enhancing the resilience of residents, and helping them remain on their land.